Thrice is nice
<p>The Academic team from Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy won the state championship Wednesday at the Idaho National Laboratory's Scholastic Tournament in Boise. Front, from left: Steven Hallgren, Lewis Ellis, Jonah Grubb and Michael Harlan. Back: Coach Darren Gabrielsen, David Minerath, Travis Griffard, Mitchell Shellman and Zach LaBenne.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - They won another battle of brain power.
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy's Academic Team captured the state championship title Monday at Idaho National Laboratory's Scholastic Tournament in Boise.
It is the third consecutive year that the Charter Academy team has won the state competition, and the third year the team will travel to Washington, D.C., to represent Idaho at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Science Bowl.
"More than most of the other teams, our team's strength is really divided among all the players," said senior Steven Hallgren, the team's captain for the last three years.
The state championship title comes with an all-expense paid trip to the national contest in April.
The quiz bowl-type competition includes a series of math and science questions.
It's not too late to watch the championship matches. The three division matches were taped by Idaho Public Television, and will air today at 4 p.m.
It is the fourth time in six years the Charter Academy team has earned the state title.
"These guys have worked very hard to accomplish this. They've worked hard in their classes and have worked hard in practice," said Darren Gabrielsen, team coach and Charter Academy math and science instructor. "Many of them spend time of their own reading and studying topics beyond the classroom."
Gabrielsen recognized Hallgren and the team's only other senior, Lewis Ellis, for their contributions to the team's success.
"Steven has led the team to all three of these state championships. He is an exceptional student with a broad knowledge base," Gabrielsen said. "Lewis is our 'math-guy.' He can process numbers faster than any student I've known in 17 years of teaching."
The other young men on the team offer their own strengths, Gabrielsen said, and have enhanced the team throughout the year.
"I believe that we can maintain a strong team every year considering the dedication of students and staff at this school," he said.
The Charter Academy team has yet to move into the final rounds at the national competition, but Hallgren feels confident they will perform well this year.
Last year, they won four of the seven rounds they played in Washington, D.C.
"I think each year the team has gotten stronger, and it helps knowing the format and what to expect," Hallgren said.
Hallgren's teammates include: Lewis Ellis, Jonah Grubb, David Minerath, Mitchell Shellman, Zach LaBenne, Travis Griffard, and Michael Harlan.